Debra Halpin

Born May 21, 1953 in Peoria, to Donald and Helen (Mordue) Gaumer. Later she was raised by her mother and Lester Cook. She married Thomas Halpin June 18, 1971, they were married for 48 years and 52 weeks until her passing. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Amelia Summer-Moon (Joe) Payne; one grandson, James Michael-Deane Payne; two sisters, Gwynne “Pokey” (Leland) Pirtle and Theresa (John) Lock; four brothers, Robert (Linda) Bailey, Wayne Bailey, Rick (Deb) Gaumer and Gary Cook Sr.; as well as her Aunt Dorothy Floyd, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Debby was proceeded in death by her parents, two brothers; James Gaumer and Leslie Cook, and five miscarriages.

She worked hard to help put Tommy through nursing school and enjoyed several years as a stay at home mom. She later worked in school food service, commercial food service and with a few florists.

Debby and Tommy traveled extensively for over 3 decades on motorcycles. She also took many flights and explored much of the country. Debby was half owner of T&D Racing. She was active in local, regional and occasionally national racing of various types. In the 1990’s winning one women’s’ season title and was the only state of Illinois women’s champion stock car driver.

She loved her many cats and the deer, hummingbirds, groundhogs and other wildlife that visited her daily.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. There will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Cancer Center Foundation, 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, Illinois 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com